Messiah! (Handel’s) (a video and resources)

London, 1741.  German born George Frideric Handel completes what would become one of the most popular works in the English language – his Messiah.  Though it was first performed in anticipation of Easter, it has also become popular before Christmas, since it covers many aspects of Christ’s life and future coming.

Full of Scripture, it draws from such books as Job, Isaiah, the Psalms, the Gospels, Romans, Hebrews, and 1 Corinthians.  The most popular part is the famous Hallelujah Chorus.  When listening to the performance, King George II stood – and following protocol, everyone else stood also.  Thus began the tradition of standing during the Hallelujah Chorus.

There is a story about how Handel was hidden away in his room working on the music for the Hallelujah Chorus.  His assistant called to him – with no response.  He called again – and again.  Finally the assistant walked into Handel’s room, finding the composer in tears.  What was wrong? asked the assistant.  Handel answered:  "I thought I saw the face of God!"

Do you want to enjoy the Messiah this year?  Of course a great way is to see if there’s a performance in your area.

But here are some other resources for you.

My recording of choice is the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir under conductor John Alldis.  It’s not expensive, and includes 49 tracks.  Get this version of the Messiah here.

You can, of course, get the music and lyrics of Handel’s Messiah here.  Or, find the complete orchestral score here.

Wouldn’t you like to understand Handel’s creation a little better?  A new book released this fall can help you do just that.  It’s called Handel’s Messiah: Comfort for God’s People, by Calvin Stapert.  Here’s what the author has to say about his book:

The three sections of this book aim to increase understanding from three different perspectives.  The first section traces three histories—the history of oratorio up to Messiah; the history of Handel up to Messiah; and the history of Messiah’s inception and reception.  Although I think these histories can contribute something toward a greater understanding of the work, I tell them primarily because they reveal a series and confluence of remarkable and unlikely events that led to the making of Messiah and from there to the phenomenon that it has become.

No time to read over the holidays?  I have great news for you!  You can get the audio book – this month only – for free!  That’s right – check it out at christianaudio and download it right now (not free anymore, but you can still buy it).

A little while ago my Dad sent me the below video.  It’s one of the recent "flash performances" of the Hallelujah Chorus.

This one is billed as a "random act of culture" from the Opera Company of Philadelphia.  On the 30th of October 2010, the opera company and 650 area choristers met at Macy’s and the great musical work appeared out of nowhere.

But as I watched, I realized that someday this will be seen as more than just culture.  The words tell us that Jesus Christ truly is the King of all.  And someday, people from all cultures and languages will praise Him – everyone in his or her own way.  And that will be more beautiful than anything we can imagine now.